Haiti: Heightened security presence amid call for strike Nov. 26-27

Event

The Ministry of the Interior has deployed additional security forces along major roadways and at schools on Monday, November 26, as labor unions have called for a general strike to continue through November 27. Tensions remain high following unrest that broke out November 18-21, which left at least ten people dead. While protests subsided on November 22, business and government services remained disrupted in the aftermath. Officials have claimed that services at public administrative offices, banks, and schools will return to normal on November 26, despite calls for a strike. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are expected near protest sites.

Context

Violent protests took place November 18-21, with gunfire, roadblocks, and mob violence reported across the country - including in Cap-Haïtien, Pétion-Ville, Lalue, Croix-des-Bouquets, Les Cayes, and Chalon. At least ten people were killed, including six struck by a government vehicle near Port-au-Prince-Toussaint-Louverture International Airport (PAP) on November 21; the incident incited a violent response from the surrounding crowd, which attacked the vehicle; police attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas.

Numerous demonstrations have been staged in recent months to call for greater government transparency after several public officials, including President Jovenel Moïse, were implicated in a scandal related to the alleged misuse of PetroCaribe funds.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti are advised to keep abreast of the situation, strictly avoid all protests and associated roadblocks due to the likelihood of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments (e.g. travel restrictions). Be prepared to shelter in place in the event of prolonged civil unrest (e.g. stockpile supplies of preserved foods and fresh water).